
Penrose
Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County 48203
A Neighborhood Grade
8.6 Neighborhood Score
$83,519
Average Value
$54
Average Price per Sq Ft
Chaldean, Historical Living in Detroit’s 48203 ZIP Code
Penrose neighborhood is popular with families looking for affordable housing in the 48203 area, as well as investors, downsizers, and those interested in participating in District 2’s cultural revitalization efforts.
The neighborhood benefits greatly from local safety initiatives, with neighborhood watch programs and block clubs, as well as an active partnership with the Penrose police that allows residents to rest easy knowing they live in a low-crime area.
Like most of Detroit, Penrose has experienced its cycles of highs and lows, decline and revival, with ongoing efforts from community groups and the city supporting its endurance.
Community clean-ups and beautification strategies are also a common fixture of Penrose, most of which are thanks to the neighborhood’s collaboration with city-led revitalization proposals.
In short, Penrose offers a peaceful, stress-free working-class atmosphere with prime access to Detroit-area cultural hotspots like Highland Park, 8 Mile, and Hamtramck.
Penrose Neighborhood’s Housing Market
First developed in the early 20th century to house workers at nearby automotive plants during Detroit’s north-end expansion into the suburbs, Penrose has since bloomed into a solid living community with a strong community-centered vibe despite its industrial heritage.
Housing styles in the Penrose area include Cape Cods, brick bungalows, multi-family units, frame and brick duplexes, and apartments for affordability.
As for architectural features, detached garages, deep fenced-in backyards, and covered front porches are common to the area. Square footage-wise, most homes are modestly sized, reflecting the Penrose neighborhood’s working-class roots.
Property prices range between $22,500 for fixer-uppers and $100,000, while better-preserved homes have estimated values between $100,000 and $280,000. That said, the average Detroit home price is $139,000, making Penrose an attractive option for buyers seeking affordability.
There is also ongoing investment happening in the 48203 ZIP code thanks to Detroit’s revitalization efforts, which aim to breathe new life into vacant properties and lots.
Outdoor Recreation, Shopping, and Dining in District 2
Penrose is a great option for potential homebuyers seeking a balance between indoor and outdoor recreation and suburban living. Parks in the area (such as nearby Grixdale Park and Zussman Park) offer everything from playgrounds to sports fields and basketball courts for weekend pickup games.Palmer Park and Rouge Park, two Detroit favorites, are also both just a short drive away, providing plenty of walking trails, golf, hiking, picnic areas, and more.
For dining and shopping, Penrose benefits greatly from its close proximity to 8 Mile Road and the Hamtramck corridor, which give residents access to a variety of area favorites such as:
· Royal Kabob (Lebanese food)
· Yemen Café
· Al-Ameer Restaurant (Middle Eastern)
· Classic Detroit spots like Motor City Soul Food
Additional dining options in nearby Highland Park offer Bangladeshi, Yemeni, Polish, and American cuisine.
For shopping and errand running, 8 Mile provides options like Save-A-Lot and Aldi, and there’s also an Imperial Fresh Market just a short drive away on Conant, as well as several pharmacies, corner stores, and hardware stores in the district.
Oakland Mall and Fairlane Town Center are both within a 15-20 minute drive from Penrose for all your retail shopping needs, with Downtown Detroit approximately 20 minutes away via I-75 and M-10 Lodge Freeway. For residents without a car, DDOT and SMART bus stops throughout the neighborhood offer reliable public transportation options.
School Options in the Penrose Neighborhood
Penrose Neighborhood is served by Detroit Public Schools, with the most attended schools in the area being:
· Palmer Park Preparatory Academy
· Greenfield Union Elementary-Middle School
· Pershing High School
For private and charter schools, options include:
· Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School
· University YES Academy
· Detroit Leadership Academy
In addition to attendance, area youth can participate in various school extracurriculars, with athletics such as basketball, football, soccer, and track, as well as music, arts, and STEM programs, contributing to neighborhood pride in the Penrose area. In summary, Penrose makes for the perfect place to settle down for residents with children, offering urban access, diverse food, shopping, and a unique history that few other neighborhoods in the area can match.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Transit
Airport
Windsor International
Bus
John R & 7 Mile
Bus
7 Mile & Bauman
Bus
Woodward & 7 Mile Rd
Bus
7 Mile & Havana
Bus
7 Mile & Charleston
Bus
Woodward & Bryson
Bus
Woodward & Strathcona
Crime and Safety
| 1 – Low Crime, 10 – High Crime | Penrose | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 10 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 9 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 9 | 4 |
| Robbery | 9 | 4 |
| Burglary | 5 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 7 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Penrose Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Penrose, Detroit sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Penrose, Detroit over the last 12 months is $22,500, up 25% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
| Median Price (12 Mo) | Median Single Family Price | Average Price Per Sq Ft | Number of Homes for Sale |
| $22,500 | $59,000 | $54 | 2 |
| Last 12 months Home Sales | Months of Supply | Median List Price | Median Discount From 1st List Price |
| 1 | 24.00 | $59,000 | 10% |
| Median Home Sale Price YoY Change | |||
| 25% |
Home Facts
| Number of Homes in Neighborhood | Median Year Built |
| 446 | 1923 |
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
See All Homes
Average Home Value
Property Mix – Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
| Total Population | Median Age | Population under 18 On par with the national average | Population over 65 On par with the national average |
| 991 | 38 | 25.5% 23.8% | 12.1% 19.1% |
Finances
| Median Household Income Significantly below the national average | Average Household Income |
| $14,103 $71,702 | $21,267 |
Education and Workforce
| High School Graduates | College Graduates Below the national average | Advanced Degrees | % Population in Labor Force Below the national average |
| 81.6% | 2.8% 34.1% | 1.8% | 49.3% 65.1% |
Weather
| Annual Precipitation | Average Winter Low Temperature | Average Summer High Temperature | Annual Snowfall |
| 30” | 20°F | 83°F | 38” |



